free things to do in New York City
Free events for Monday, 08/17/26
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More

Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on August 17, 2026?

15 free events take place on Monday, August 17 in New York City. Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides! Exciting, high quality, unique and off the beaten path free events and free things to do take place in New York today, tonight, tomorrow and each day of the year, any time of the day: whether it's a weekday or a weekend, day or night, morning or evening or afternoon, December or July, April or November! These events will take your breath away!

New York City (NYC) never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment. Check out August 17 and see for yourself. Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall! Just click on any day of the calendar above and you'll find most inspiring and entertaining free events to go to and free things to do on each day of August . Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides!

Some events take place all year long: same day of the week, same time there are there for you to take advantage of. One of the oldest free weekly events in Manhattan is Dixieland Jazz with the Gotham Jazzmen, which happen at noon every Tuesday. Another example of an event that you can attend all year round on weekdays is Federal Reserve Bank Tour, which takes place every week day at 1 pm (but advanced reservations are required). You can take at least 13 free tours every day of the year, except the New Year Day, July 4th, and the Christmas Day. If you are classical music afficionado, you can spend whole day in New York going from one free classical concert to another. If you love theater, then New York gives you an option to attend plays and musicals free of charge, or at deep discount. You just need to have information about it. And we are here to make that information available to you.
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The quality and quantity of
free events,
free things to do
that happen in New York City
every day of the year
is truly amazing.

So don't miss the opportunities
that only New York provides:
stop wondering what to do;
start taking advantage of
free events to go to,
free things to do in NYC
today!

15 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Monday, August 17, 2026

All events are free unless otherwise noted.
        

Museums | Exploring Art, History, and Global Cultures in a Landmark Museum


Spend time exploring a world-renowned collection spanning centuries of art, design, and cultural history. From ancient artifacts to iconic masterpieces, these galleries invite slow looking, discovery, and reflection across works that connect global traditions, artistic innovation, and human stories.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
pay-what-you-wish for NY...
Museumss, August 17, 2026, 08/17/2026, Exploring Art, History, and Global Cultures in a Landmark Museum

Tour | Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Brooklyn Bridge, Financial District, 9/11 Memorial


This complimentary shuttle loops through more than 30 locations across Lower Manhattan, covering major sites from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Financial District and the World Trade Center area. Busses arrive about every 15 minutes throughout the day. Riders can board or exit at any marked stop, with unlimited trips at no cost. Dayly service.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
Free
Tours, August 17, 2026, 08/17/2026, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Brooklyn Bridge, Financial District, 9/11 Memorial

Tour | Explore a Major NYC Park


Discover how "Needle Park" of the 1970s successfully transformed into Manhattan's Town Square of today. The guides are loaded with expertise on the park's rich history, award-winning design, distinct amenities, and ongoing maintenance efforts. Tours will continue as scheduled in light rain, but will be cancelled in heavy rain or inclement weather. Bring an umbrella if needed!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Tours, August 17, 2026, 08/17/2026, Explore a Major NYC Park

Dancing | Movement Workshop: Chechetti Ballet Dance Method (Beginners Welcome)


In this workshop, guests are invited to learn Enrico Cecchetti’s famous technique through the Jerome Robbins Dance Division’s audio and moving image collection and the movement styles shown on the screen. The Founder of the New York Theatre Ballet School, Diana Byer, uses material from the collection to lead movement workshops highlighting the history of the technique, focusing on the one developed by Cecchetti and later taught by Margaret Craske.  No prior dance experience required.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Dancings, August 17, 2026, 08/17/2026, Movement Workshop: Chechetti Ballet Dance Method (Beginners Welcome)

Workshop | Learn to Juggle in the Park


This juggling class is ideal for a quick lesson, an extended practice session, or just enjoy watching jugglers put their skills to the test. They're a friendly group and open to drop-ins, even if you catch them outside of the regular juggling lessons. All skill levels welcome. Equipment is provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 17, 2026, 08/17/2026, Learn to Juggle in the Park

Talk | Grady Hendrix Discusses Bruce Lee & Film History


A discussion about the 1973 Hong Kong movie, Five Fingers of Death, which opened in New York City and became a blockbuster hit. Within five years, Bruce Lee posters were on the walls of every American bedroom, martial arts movies were blowing up the box office, appearing on TV screens, and influencing everything from Hollywood to hip hop. Grady Hendrix's These Fists Break Bricks is the story of how a bunch of Asian, Black, and Latino kids learned how to do kung fu and changed pop culture for good. Grady Hendrix is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Sell a Haunted House, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, and many more. His history of the horror paperback boom of the '70s and '80s, Paperbacks from Hell, won the Stoker Award for Outstanding Achievement in Nonfiction. He's a longtime journalist who has covered the Asian film industries for Variety, Film Comment, and Sight & Sound, and is one of the co-founders of Subway Cinema and the New York Asian Film Festival. He also wrote the 2019 Netflix documentary, Iron Fists & Kung Fu Kicks.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:30 pm
Free
Talks, August 17, 2026, 08/17/2026, Grady Hendrix Discusses Bruce Lee & Film History

Party | Fiber/Textile Arts Social


Are you a knitter? Do you like to crochet? Maybe you like a different type of fiber art? Whichever it is, bring your supplies and lose yourself in the meditative world of creating art with fiber. Invite your friends, or make new connections there. This is a meet-up, not a class.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Partys, August 17, 2026, 08/17/2026, Fiber/Textile Arts&nbsp;Social

Workshop | French Petanque-Playing in the Park


Members of NYC’s oldest-running Petanque club guide a Petanque-playing session. This French lawn bowling game from the early 20th century is easy to learn, and the boules will be provided. Just bring yourself!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Workshops, August 17, 2026, 08/17/2026, French&nbsp;Petanque-Playing in the Park

Dancing | Latin Hustle Outdoor Dance Celebration


An inter-generational social dance party, in partnership with Dance is Life. Dancers of all ages and skill levels are invited to find joy in movement as they dance to high-energy music, with a focus on Latin Hustle.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Dancings, August 17, 2026, 08/17/2026, Latin Hustle Outdoor Dance Celebration

Museums | Step Inside a Historic Mansion and Explore Centuries of Design Evolution


The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history, influence, and importance of design in everyday life. Housed in a historic mansion, the museum features a diverse collection of design objects, including decorative arts, architecture, graphic design, textiles, and industrial design.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
pay-what-you-wish from 5pm...
Museumss, August 17, 2026, 08/17/2026, Step Inside a Historic Mansion and Explore Centuries of Design Evolution

Film | The End of the Affair (1999): Romantic Drama with Ralph Fiennes


Based on the 1951 Graham Greene novel. Love, romance, obsession, adultery, and tragedy in post-war England. Director: Neil Jordan Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Julianne Moore, Stephen Rea, Ian Hart, Jason Isaacs Ralph Fiennes is an English actor, film producer, and director. A Shakespeare interpreter, Fiennes excelled onstage at the Royal National Theatre before having further success at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Widely regarded as one of Britain's most well-known and popular actors, he has received various accolades, including a BAFTA Award and a Tony Award, as well as nominations for two Academy Awards and an Emmy Award.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Films, August 17, 2026, 08/17/2026, The End of the Affair (1999): Romantic Drama with Ralph Fiennes

Museums | Explore Memorial Museum and Reconnect with History


Reconnect with the feeling of community and cohesion that blanketed our city and nation in the wake of 9/11. This is a monument to human dignity, courage, and sacrifice. This museum honors the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, recognizes the courage of those who survived, and salutes those who risked their lives to help others.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Museumss, August 17, 2026, 08/17/2026, Explore Memorial Museum and Reconnect with History

Workshop | Kayaking in a Hudson River Cove


This event provides the equipment, instruction, and oversight you need to experience a safe and fun afternoon of kayaking on the Hudson River. The program is beginner-friendly, and no prior experience is required. Participants must be at least 18 years old (or accompanied by a parent or guardian) and know how to swim. Come dressed to get wet! Lockers and locks will be provided to keep valuables dry, and on-site changing rooms will be available for use. To save time, you can also sign a waiver before arriving to save time, available at the link provided. Be sure to allow time for waiting in line when planning your visit. You may not get a chance to kayak if you arrive less than an hour before the boathouse closes.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Workshops, August 17, 2026, 08/17/2026, Kayaking in a Hudson River Cove

Workshop | Full-Body Conditioning Workout on the Pier


Enjoy a conditioning class on the Hudson: a full-body workout designed to build your strength, endurance, and agility. This conditioning class will be led by coaches and trainers from PureGym. Please note that participants should bring their own water bottle to class.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Workshops, August 17, 2026, 08/17/2026, Full-Body Conditioning Workout on the Pier

Movie in a Park | City of God (2002): Brazilian Epic Crime Film (Outdoors)


In the poverty-stricken favelas of Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s, two young men choose different paths. Rocket is a budding photographer who documents the increasing drug-related violence of his neighborhood. Jose "Ze" Pequeno is an ambitious drug dealer who uses Rocket and his photos as a way to increase his fame as a turf war erupts with his rival, "Knockout Ned". The film was shot on location in Rio's poorest neighborhoods. Director: Fernando Meirelles Cast: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino Da Hora, Jonathan Haagensen, Phellipe Haagensen, Douglas Silva In Portuguese with English subtitles. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and a friend, and grab a spot on the lawn to watch a feature film on the big screen under the stars. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Movie in a Parks, August 17, 2026, 08/17/2026, City of God (2002): Brazilian Epic Crime Film (Outdoors)
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Complimentary Tickets

to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)

Jazz | Jazz at One of the World's Most Famous Venues

Regular Price: $45
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Performance | Erotic Burlesque Show

Regular Price: $135
CFT Member Price: $0.00